Southern University System

NEWSWIRE

Contact:  Katara Williams 

               SU System Director of Media Relations         

Date:       September 12, 2011

SU Board Member named Vice President of SCLC

Southern University System Board Member, Atty. Randal L. Gaines, has been named as acting vice president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).  Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the SCLC is a national organization committed to nonviolent action in order to achieve social, economic, and political justice. 

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference was established in 1957 having a goal of redeeming "the soul of America" through nonviolent resistance. The organization worked to coordinate the action of local protest groups throughout the South. Under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr., the SCLC drew on the power and independence of black churches to support its activities.

Prominent members of the SCLC include the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who served as president and chaired the organization until his assassination in 1968, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Joseph Lowery. The SCLC has chapters and affiliates located throughout the United States.

Gaines maintains a private law practice in LaPlace, LA, and has worked as a tax attorney for the Internal Revenue Service, an assistant city attorney for the city of New Orleans, and as an associate professor and director of the Criminal Justice Department at Southern University.

Gaines served three years in the Army and 25 years in the Louisiana National Guard, receiving awards for his service during Operation Desert Storm and Hurricane Katrina. Gaines is a graduate of Lutcher High School and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Southern University as well as a juris doctorate from the Southern University Law Center.  Appointed by Governor Jindal in 2009, Gaines is currently serving a six-year term as a member of the Southern Board.